'I Am a Line of Words' Art Exhibit Reception

For the first time in the Labriola National American Indian Data Center space at Hayden Library, the center is hosting an Indigenous art exhibition on Wednesday, November 12 from 6 to 7 p.m.!

Artist and recent ASU alumnus Mirra Keeto (Diné / Akimel O’odham) developed a series of artworks that depict her relationship as an Indigenous person who studied art history and Italian at Arizona State University. Her pieces pay homage to her family, whose lineage lives in the lines of arts and storytelling and commentary on Italian history. This exhibit combines two complex cultures into unique and beautiful mixed mediums: basketry, books, paintings, prints and charcoal interwoven with punk-rock lyrics. 

View the "I Am a Line of Words" Exhibition Library Guide.

A book display also accompanies Keeto's exhibit and features literature from both Italian and Indigenous cultures. This grand opening celebrates the deep, empathetic work that Mirra Keeto underwent as an expression of gratitude towards the Labriola Center being a safe space where she felt she could freely express herself as an Indigenous scholar and artist.

In short: If you want to know about Mirra Keeto, "simply look at the surface of my paintings and drawings and me; there I am. There’s nothing else behind it."

Keeto considers music an important part of the art creation process. Some music that has spoken to her during the creation of the pieces includes: The Damned’s “I Think I’m Wonderful”, from their album Damned But Not Forgotten.

Mark your calendars and celebrate the beautiful work Mirra Keeto created!